The global push for small modular reactors (SMRs) is gaining momentum as countries aim to revitalize nuclear energy. Among them, the United States is emerging as a frontrunner in the development of nuclear microreactors, spurred by new investments from the U.S. Army.
SMRs, which are advanced nuclear reactors with a capacity of up to 300 MW(e), offer a scaled-down alternative to traditional nuclear plants. Their modular design facilitates factory production and site transportation, making them more cost-effective and quicker to construct. This flexibility allows SMRs to be deployed in locations unsuitable for larger reactors, progressively addressing energy demands.
Microreactors, a smaller variant of SMRs, are currently under development in the U.S. with plans for deployment within the next decade. These compact reactors are designed for easy transportation and could serve as vital energy sources in remote areas disconnected from the main grid. Their factory assembly and transportability reduce costs and production times, while the design aims to minimize the need for specialized operators.
Typically generating between 1 MW and 20 MW of thermal energy, microreactors can produce clean electricity or provide direct heating. They use a higher uranium-235 concentration than conventional reactors, enabling long operational periods without refueling. Microreactors can operate alongside renewable sources on microgrids and offer potential use in disaster response scenarios.
The U.S. Department of Energy supports diverse advanced reactor designs, aligning with President Trump’s nuclear power agenda. His vision to increase nuclear power production fourfold by 2050 includes backing for both SMRs and microreactors.
In a notable development, Texas-based Aalo declared its Critical Test Reactor (CTR) had achieved criticality within eight months of groundbreaking, marking a significant milestone in reactor construction. “Our CTR went from groundbreaking to a sustained chain reaction in less than eight months – one of the fastest reactor builds in 80 years – and our company has gone from founding to fission in less than three years,” the company stated. Aalo targets the production of 10 MWe reactors for AI data center power solutions.
The U.S. Army, following Executive Order 14299, has emerged as a leader in military nuclear energy initiatives, setting a 2028 deadline for operational reactors at domestic installations. Recent announcements reveal plans to invest up to $2.2 billion in microreactor construction at several military sites, aided by regulatory relaxations.
Investment targets include Antares Nuclear at Fort Bragg, BWX Technologies at Fort Campbell, General Atomics at Fort Hood, Radiant Industries at Fort Benning, and Westinghouse Government Services at Fort Drum. Companies are expected to secure additional private investments to support these projects.
Jeff Waksman, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy, and environment, expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential: “We believe that this will be the spear tip not just for microreactors but for all advanced reactors in the United States… There have been a lot of microreactor companies that have popped up recently, but we need to get them over the hump.”
While SMR discussions are ongoing, the U.S. is significantly advancing microreactor deployment with anticipated launches in the near future, supported by Department of Energy funding and favorable national policies.
Original Story at oilprice.com